Oct 5 | Volunteer for Garden Border Replacement Project
Volunteers Needed: Michele Heights Community Garden Border Replacement Project
Michele Heights Community Garden, located in Michele Park in the west end of Ottawa (closest address is 2955 Michele Drive), adjacent to Michele Heights Community Housing is planning to replace the borders around the plots at our community gardens. The existing border are at end of life and need to be replaced – this is a big project, since there are 30 plots! Join us on Saturday, October 5, from 9AM – 5PM to assist!
- Sunday, Oct 6 will be the rain date, but will plan to work, unless the weather is very wet.
- Volunteers are asked to bring a pair of work gloves, and battery powered electric drills, with a bit for standard deck screws would also be very helpful!
- Eastern white cedar is being purchased from a mill in the Ottawa Valley that is already cut to the required lengths.
- Snacks will be provided throughout the day, but please bring a lunch and water to drink.
Anyone interested in helping out should reply to Sinjin Dixon-Warren (sinjin.dw@gmail.com), who is coordinating the project. Further details about the project can be provided. Thank you.
Just Food Fall Events
Just Food News and Events
- Sept 21 & 22 | Volunteer at the Carlington Community Garden Expansion
- Sept 15 | A Potluck and Discussion on Food and its Role in Climate Restoration
- Sept 26 | A Workshop on How to Start a Community Garden
- Sept 28 | Community Seed Cleaning with the Ottawa Seed Library
- Oct 10 | Canada’s Food Guide – what does this mean for agriculture? What does it mean for eaters?
- Oct 19 | CommuniTree Conference
Just Food News and Events
1. Sept 21 & 22 | Volunteer at the Carlington Community Garden Expansion
Join a volunteer run community garden this weekend to help finish their expansion!
SIGN UP TODAY: www.surveymonkey.com/r/9W2BD22
When: This Saturday Sept 21 and Sunday Sept 22
Where: Woodward Avenue and McBride street (closest address is 1548 Woodward Ave).
The garden is available by public transportation (along bus routes 14 and 81), and there is plenty of parking available for those driving.
There will be a wide variety of tasks available for people of all ages, mobilities, and abilities!
Lunch, snack, water, and drinks will be provided for all volunteers.
By helping with the garden build, you can:
Learn how to construct raised bed gardens;
Learn how to plan and carry out your own garden expansion;
Help contribute to food security and improve community health in our city!
2. Sept 15 | A Potluck and Discussion on the Food and its Role in Climate Restoration
Join Just Food and Regeneration Canada on Sept 15 for a potluck and information session, focusing on what is possible and/or already happening in ecosystem and climate restoration through soil care, regenerative farming and positive changes in the food system. A combination of taking an afternoon to celebrate what has been accomplished and to engage attendees in what is possible and how to participate in and support further actions and changes. Local and national agricultural and environmental groups will be participating to share information and updates on projects with attendees and this event is open to the public.
When: Sunday, September 15th, from 11:00 to 2:00
Where: 2391 Pépin Court at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn
Attendees are invited to visit the on-site farm, it opens at 10:00, product can be stored in a cooler for the duration of the event
Tour of the Just Food Farm available after lunch.
Please bring your own dishes cutlery, cups, no disposable dishes please***
Bring something to share in the potluck or simply join us as a welcomed guest
Parking is available on site and the farm is served by the #94 bus route
The building is accessible, with a wheelchair lift to the second floor event space
https://www.facebook.com/events/1252370484965615/
3. Sept 26 | A Workshop on How to Start a Community Garden
Get ready for the next growing season at the “How to Start a Community Garden” workshop! Learn next steps including; how to search for land, what is essential when starting a community garden, the supports that are available, tips for organizing the garden, and much more!
The attendance of at least one garden coordinator at a How to Start a Community Garden workshop is a requirement in order to receive funding through the Community Garden Development Fund. The coordinator must have attended a workshop in the past 3 years.
Registration is required as space is limited.
When: Thursday, Sept 26 from 6:00 – 8:00
Where: 2391 Pépin Court, at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn
RSVP: communitygardening@justfood.ca
(please identify the general area where you plan to set up a community garden, and summarize your work to date, if applicable).
4. Sept 28 | Community Seed Cleaning Workshop with the Ottawa Seed Library
This workshop will provide a short demo on how to clean common seeds grown in the Ottawa area. Folks are able to bring their own seed harvests and clean them on their own with support from on-site assistance! Even if you don’t have your own seed to clean, everyone is welcome to attend and learn some of the basic principles.
When: Saturday, Sept 28 from 3:00 – 6:00
Where: 2391 Pépin Court at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn
RSVP: seeds@justfood.ca
5. Oct 10 | Canada’s Food Guide – what does this mean for agriculture? What does it mean for eaters?
Canada’s Food Guide is one vision of a sustainable diet. It is intended to promote health and wellness through dietary change—leaving unanswered questions of access and food production. How will the new Food Guide shape our food systems, or change where we get our food? And what does this mean for agriculture across our region?
For producers, community organizations, government, eaters. Join us in-person to hear a province-wide panel with conversation, discussion and next-steps following.
Panel includes;
Ron Bonnett (former president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture)
Dr. June Matthews (Registered Dietitian, Professional Home Economist, Associate Professor, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences Brescia University College)
Moe Garahan (Executive Director, Just Food)
When: Thursday, October 10 from 9:30-12:30
Where: 2391 Pépin Court at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn
A Bring Food Home 2019 Regional Event
Brought to you by Sustain Ontario in partnership with Just Food and the Algoma Rural Agri-Innovation Network sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
Space is limited, please register for the event here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/bring-food-home-ottawa-2019-tickets-71652240781
6. Oct 19 | CommuniTree Conference
In partnership with Just Food, the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association’s Environment Committee and Tree Team is organizing its first “CommuniTree Conference” on Saturday, October 19th at the Just Food Farm (2391 Pépin Court) in Blackburn Hamlet.
The conference will take place from approximately 9am to 12:30pm and will include:
- various panels
- networking break and a tour of a Community Food Forest.
The conference is an opportunity for community members to; - share tree-related stories data and projects
- – provide attendees with new ideas, information and resources carry-out tree-related initiatives in their communities.
- If you are interested in promoting stewardship of our urban forest, sharing ideas, meeting community leaders and being part of innovative ways to help our environment, this Conference should not be missed.
The Conference is free to attend, however registration will be required as space is limited.
The registration link will be available by September 9th, on the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association’s website blackburnhamlet.ca.
Any media or other inquiries should be made to treeteam@blackburnhamlet.ca.
This Sunday: Annual Picnic at Just Food Farm
Food and activities for the entire family!
Join us at Just Food Farm for our Annual Picnic this Sunday! We will be hosting a variety of events including; free lunch, wagon rides at 10:15, 11, 11:45, and 12:30; farmers’ market, kids’ activities, field walks, and more. Bring your family and enjoy a day at our farm.
WHEN: Sunday August 25th, 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Big Red Barn, 2391 Pépin Court
For more information, contact info@justfood.ca.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday for a fun-filled day!
Just Food Farm Days – Sunday, Aug 11, 18 & 25
Join us on Sunday August 11, 18 & 15 for fun farm days!
– Farmers Market (10-2) *Buy delicious locally grown produce!
– Yoga at the Barn (945 – 11) *FREE!
– Take a tour of the farm
August 11 – Tours in partnership with COG
August 18 & 25 – self guided tours
*Check-out what’s being produced on the farm from bees, to seeds, vegetables, food forests and more!
– Complete all the activities on the farm with the family!
*scavenger hunt
*local food tastes
*harvesting/seed saving
*check out the chickens!
*& test your knowledge of agriculture and climate change!
Have a question? Email info@justfood.ca or check out our facebook event!
Check out the Local Farmers’ Markets
Look down the list for the closest farmers’ market opening near you to buy and support local farmers!
| Farmers’ Market | Location | Timings |
| Beechwood Market | 43 Ste. Cecile St, within Optimiste Park | Every Saturday 9 am – 2 pm, June 1 – October 26 |
| Beechwood Mini-Market | Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald St, Ottawa | Every Tuesday 3 am – 6 pm, July 2 – October 8 |
| Beechwood Mini-Market | Chartwell New Edinburgh Square Terrace, 420 MacKay St, Ottawa | Every Thursday, 3 am – 6 pm, July 4 – October 10 |
| Ottawa Organic Farmer’s Market | 1644 Bank St, near Heron | Every Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm, year-round |
| Byward Market Square | Byward Market Square, between York and George Streets, downtown Ottawa | Every day, 9 am – 5 pm (generally) |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Lansdowne | Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way | Every Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm, May 5 – October 27 |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Westboro | Byron Linear Park between Richmond Road, Golden, Byron, and Broadview Avenues | Every Saturday, 9:30 am- 3 pm, May 18 – November 2 |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Orleans | Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Rd, Orléans | Every Thursday, 12 am – 6 pm, May 23 – October 10 |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Barrhaven | Nepean Woods Park & Ride, at Strandherd and Crestway Drive | Every Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm, June 2 – October 13 |
| Cumberland Farmers’ Market | R.J. Kennedy Community Centre, 1115 Dunning Rd, Cumberland | Every Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm |
| North Gower Farmers’ Market | 2397 Roger Stevens Dr, North Gower | Every Saturday, 8:30 am – 1 pm, May 22 – October 5 |
| Metcalfe Farmers’ Market | 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe | Every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm, May 11 – October 26 |
| Kanata Farmers’ Market | 745 Kanata Ave, Kanata | Every Saturday, 9 am – 3 pm, May 25 – November 3 |
| Carp Farmers’ Market | Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Rd, Carp | Every Saturday 9 am – 1 pm, May – October |
| Marché du Vieux-Aylmer | Memorial Park, corner of Broad and Main Street, Alymer | Every Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm, June 2 – October 29 |
| Old Chelsea Market | 212 Old Chelsea Rd, Chelsea | Every Thursday, 4 pm – 7 pm, May 30 – October 10 |
| Marché Notre- Dame | 330 Notre-Dame Rd, Gatineau | Every day, 8 am – 8 pm |
| Marché Vieux-Hull | Parc Du Portage, Gatineau (corner of Laurier and Victoria Streets) | Every Thursday, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, May 30 – October 10 |
| Parkdale Market | 366 Parkdale Avenue, Westboro | Every day, 8 am – 5 pm (generally) |
| Manotick Farmers’ Market | 5524 Dickinson St, Manotick (immediately across from Watson’s Mill) | Every Saturday, 9 am – 3 pm, June 22 – October 12 |
| Wakefield Market | 38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield, Wakefield | Every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm, May 18 – October 19 |
Here’s to Wishing Everyone a Good Food Summer!
July 2019
Food News and Events in the Ottawa Region
Just Food News and Events
1. July 28th and August 11th, 18th and 25th | Sundays at the Just Food Farm
2. Every Sunday | Yoga at the Just Food Farm
3. Every Sunday | Just Food Farm Stand
4. July 28 and August 11 | Free COG Tour at Just Food Farm
5. Volunteer to Grow Food for the Local Food Bank
6. Using Food as a Gateway to a Healthy, Sustainable Lifestyle
Other Community News and Events
8. Farmers’ Markets in the Region
9. Saturdays until August 31 | Garden Promenade Tours
10. Canadian Organic Growers is Hiring!
11. Eat Healthy with Canada’s Food Guide
12. Tasty Ways to Cut Down on Food Waste
13. Reduce Our Kids’ Exposure to Marketed Unhealthy Food and Drinks
14. Canada’s New Food Policy with an Ambitious Vision
Just Food News and Events
1. July 28th and August 11th, 18th and 25th | Sundays at the Just Food Farm
Join us on the Just Food Farm for Sunday Farm Days, there’s something for everyone!
- Yoga in the barn from 9:45 – 11 am
- Farm Tours: The Canadian Organic Growers will be offering tours on July 28th and August 11th from 10 am – 12:30 pm
- Kids activities on August 11th, 18th, and 25th
Don’t forget to check out our farmers’ market from 10 am – 2 pm, run by our very own farmers for some amazing vegetables, herbs, honey, preserves and more! Bring you and family, as well as a lunch to enjoy!
WHEN: Sunday July 28th and August 11th, 18th, and 25th
WHERE: Just Food, 2391 Pépin Court
2. Every Sunday | Yoga at the Just Food Farm
Join Bee at the Just Food Farm for a traditional yoga class for all levels of skill and ages! The class will include physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
WHEN: Sundays 9:45 – 11 am
WHERE: Big Red Barn at Just Food, 2391 Pépin Court, Ottawa
It’s free, or by donation with all proceeds going to the Just Food Farm.
ABOUT THE TEACHER: Bee has been a yoga practitioner for 8 years and teaching for 5 years. She is a farmer and educator at Cadence Ecological Farm at the Just Food Farm, and is deeply interested in the role of holistic health while developing sustainable communities.
3. Every Sunday | Just Food Farm Stand
Join us on Sundays this summer from 10 am – 2 pm until October to enjoy the fresh produce of the season! Every week, a number of farms will be selling their fresh produce, condiments, sweet and savoury treats, and much more! The Farm Stand is located at the Just Food Farm, 2391 Pépin Court. Enjoy the first summer bounty of organic food from local farmers with us while supporting new farmers. For more information, click here.
4. July 28 and August 11 | Free COG Tour at Just Food Farm
The Canadian Organic Growers (COG), in partnership with Just Food, is hosting free tours where participants will have a chance to visit 3 different farms on site and shop fresh produce at the Farm Stand afterwards. Learn about about how each farmer got started, what they grow, and the unique aspects of their business, from bees and chickens to diverse vegetables. Folks of all ages are welcome! Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking on uneven ground and in direct sunlight.
WHEN: Sunday July 28 and August 11, from 10 am – 12:30 pm (sun or rain)
WHERE: Just Food Farm, 2391 Pépin Court
FARMS ON TOUR:
- July 28: Capital Greens, Karen Farm, Bird and Bee
- August 11: Capital Bees, Chi Gardens, Cadence Ecological Farm
For more information or to register for one of the tours, click here for the July 28th tour and click here for the August 11th tour.
Spread the word about this great opportunity by printing off these posters (July 28 and August 11) and posting it in your workplace!
5. Volunteer to Grow Food for the Local Food Bank
Want to help support the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard? Join a team of volunteers who give back to their community by helping grow fresh produce at Just Food Farm’s Plant-a-Row, Donate-a-Row Garden (PARDAR) for the food cupboard. Gardening can be done when it suits you. You will also have a chance to learn basic gardening skills or share your gardening expertise. For more information or to join the team, email gefcvol2@gmail.com.
6. Watch Ottawa Experts on Using Food as a Gateway to a Healthy, Sustainable Lifestyle
On a segment of Ottawa Experts, an interactive show which hosts local industry experts on various topics, Jenny Emmans, Chair of Just Food, and Amber Westfall of Wild Garden, operating out of Just Food Farm, discussed their journeys in learning and discovery about the local food and the nexus between food systems and health. For Jenny, it began with the growing question of what we are putting in and on our bodies as she explored the ingredients of the products she was using or consuming regularly. Amber was looking to expand her local diet and reduce her footprint. Both touch upon some great opportunities for residents to learn more about foraging, gardening, and consuming local food in the Ottawa Region.
To watch the episode, click here.
7. Rain Barrel Fundraiser
Support Just Food by purchasing your rain barrel from us this year for your food growing needs.
Just Food only has a few terracotta rain barrels remaining for $55. We are confident that this is the best price on the market right now. For more details, click here and if interested, email Himani at info@justfood.ca to arrange pickup.
Support Just Food, conserve water and save money. Contact us today!
Other Community News and Events
8. Farmers’ Markets in the Region
Look down the list for the closest farmers’ market opening near you to buy and support local farmers!
| Farmers’ Market | Location | Timings |
| Beechwood Market | 43 Ste. Cecile St, within Optimiste Park | Every Saturday 9 am – 2 pm, June 1 – October 26 |
| Beechwood Mini-Market | Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald St, Ottawa | Every Tuesday 3 am – 6 pm, July 2 – October 8 |
| Beechwood Mini-Market | Chartwell New Edinburgh Square Terrace, 420 MacKay St, Ottawa | Every Thursday, 3 am – 6 pm, July 4 – October 10 |
| Ottawa Organic Farmer’s Market | 1644 Bank St, near Heron | Every Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm, year-round |
| Byward Market Square | Byward Market Square, between York and George Streets, downtown Ottawa | Every day, 9 am – 5 pm (generally) |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Lansdowne | Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way | Every Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm, May 5 – October 27 |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Westboro Market | Byron Linear Park between Richmond Road, Golden, Byron, and Broadview Avenues | Every Saturday, 9:30 am- 3 pm, May 18 – November 2 |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Orleans Market | Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Rd, Orléans | Every Thursday, 12 am – 6 pm, May 23 – October 10 |
| Ottawa Farmers’ Market- Barrhaven Market | Nepean Woods Park & Ride, at Strandherd and Crestway Drive | Every Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm, June 2 – October 13 |
| Cumberland Farmers’ Market | R.J. Kennedy Community Centre, 1115 Dunning Rd, Cumberland | Every Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm |
| North Gower Farmers’ Market | 2397 Roger Stevens Dr, North Gower | Every Saturday, 8:30 am – 1 pm, May 22 – October 5 |
| Metcalfe Farmers’ Market | 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe | Every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm, May 11 – October 26 |
| Kanata Farmers’ Market | 745 Kanata Ave, Kanata | Every Saturday, 9 am – 3 pm, May 25 – November 3 |
| Carp Farmers’ Market | Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Rd, Carp | Every Saturday 9 am – 1 pm, May – October |
| Marché du Vieux-Aylmer | Memorial Park, corner of Broad and Main Street, Alymer | Every Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm, June 2 – October 29 |
| Old Chelsea Market | 212 Old Chelsea Rd, Chelsea | Every Thursday, 4 pm – 7 pm, May 30 – October 10 |
| Marché Notre-Dame | 330 Notre-Dame Rd, Gatineau | Every day, 8 am – 8 pm |
| Marché Vieux-Hull | Parc Du Portage, Gatineau (corner of Laurier and Victoria Streets) | Every Thursday, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, May 30 – October 10 |
9. Saturdays until August 31 | Garden Promenade Tours
Discover the dozens of gardens in the region along the Garden Promenade! Whether you wish to do it alone or hire a pro to show you the way, the Garden Promenade offers a broad range of options for a multilingual guided tour or at your own pace while visiting the city’s famous attractions.
- Walk in downtown Ottawa and discover some of the 75+ garden attractions
- Combine a bike and culinary tour
- Travel along scenic bicycle paths yourself
- Hop on and hop off Ottawa’s double decker buses
- Drive it on your own
Enjoy the blooming flowers in the city the way you want to!
For more information, click here.
WHEN: Every Saturday until August 31st
10. Canadian Organic Growers is Hiring!
Do you like working with kids and talking about sustainable agriculture and food security? The Canadian Organic Growers’ Ottawa-St- Lawrence-Outaouais Chapter is looking for a fully bilingual workshop facilitor to join their Growing Up Organic garden and farm-based education program in Ottawa. The program works wth schools to develop edible gardens as educational tools for students. The position is home-based and averages 20 hrs/week. Click here to view the job description.
11. Eat Healthy with Canada’s Food Guide
Want to make more healthy choices while eating, but not sure where to start? Snapshots of the food guide are now available in 28 languages for you read through and start making better consumption choices for your mental and physical health. You can also subscribe here for their newsletter to get the latest healthy eating updates, recipes, and more.
12. Tasty Ways to Cut Down on Food Waste
Want to learn different ways to use all parts of your groceries? Food Tank has made a list of 11 ways to make the most of common food waste, including:
- Vegetable leaves
- Herb stems
- Bones and fat
- Root vegetable peels
- Stale bread
Check out the article here for tips and recipes! For more information about how local residents are managing their food waste, click here.
13. Reduce Our Kids’ Exposure to Marketed Unhealthy Food and Drinks
With the marketing of unhealthy food items on the rise, kids are being targeted because they are particularly vulnerable to the marketing techniques being used and the number of ads they see throughout the day. This is leading to changes in food choices and preferences.
Bill S-228 (Child Health Protection Act) came close to being passed prior to the Senate’s summer adjournment. It had the support from both the Senate and the House of Commons; however, the bill failed to pass overall. The bill would have limited advertisement of food high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats to kids under the age of 13. Now it’s up to us to create a food environment where kids are not being bombarded with advertisements and support them to make healthier choices. For more information on how to develop this, click here.
14. Canada’s New Food Policy with an Ambitious Vision
The anticipated food policy ‘Food Policy for Canada: Everyone at the Table’ was announced on June 17 by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau. With the acknowledgement that Canada needs to ensure reliable access to healthy, culturally diverse food for all Canadians, the federal government is investing $134 million to develop a vibrant and sustainable food system. Their key areas of focus also include reducing food waste and improving food security for Indigeneous and Northern communities.
Part of achieving the goal was the birth of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council and the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. The Council will be focusing on bringing in the experts and diverse voices to address the current and future food issues. For residents, the fund will support community-led projects with the goal of improving food access.
To read the full news release, click here.
15. Have Gardening Questions?
As you start the growing season, do you want some advice or have questions about gardening? The Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton are a group of experienced gardeners with horticulture backgrounds that volunteer their time to help answer the public’s questions. They provide free, unbiased advice to home gardeners while encouraging good growing practices. They can give advice for both organic and conventional growing. Contact them by phone or email, listed here, or find them at clinics at local markets and fairs.
Are you interested in having a gardening workshop with your community? Email communitygardening@justfood.ca for more information on topics and how to set one up.
